A public meeting was due to be held last night over the future of an East Kilbride medical centre.

The owners of Greenhills Medical Practice announced they were pulling out due to ongoing challenges – including GP recruitment and “unforeseen” circumstances.

They will leave the practice on Wednesday, October 31 and NHS Lanarkshire is currently looking to secure a new team of GPs to run the practice.

East Kilbride South SNP councillor Geri Gray described the announcement as “devastating” for the local community while Central Scotland Tory MSP Graham Simpson described it a “real concern” and called for urgent action to prevent more GPs and healthcare professionals walking away from the NHS.

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A petition was launched in a bid to save the vital community practice by concerned patient Alison Mackenzie, and has secured nearly 1000 signatures.

The public meeting was set to be held in Greenhills Hall and a letter was sent to all patients inviting them along to air their concerns and ask questions.

Health chiefs say the formal process to find new owners has now begun and they expect to have formal expressions of interest by the end of this week.

The letter from Craig Cunningham, head of commissioning and performance for South Lanarkshire health and social care partnership, also invites patients who are interested in being considered for the selection panel to contact them.

Councillor Gray said: “I am extremely concerned regarding the continuity of care that will be experienced.

“This will be devastating to the local community, and especially to people who have chronic conditions and mental health issues.”